Signature lighting system for appliance

ABSTRACT

A signature lighting system for an appliance includes a carrier, a light guide disposed adjacent the carrier, a light source disposed adjacent the light guide and in electrical communication with a source of electrical energy to selectively energize the light source, wherein the light source emits light into the light guide, and a light housing received in the carrier and substantially enclosing the light source, wherein at least one of the light housing and the carrier militates against a relative motion between the light guide and the carrier.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a lighting system. Inparticular, the invention is directed to a signature lighting system foran appliance such as a refrigerator, for example.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Signature lighting systems are current used in automotive environmentsto create a distinct (i.e. signature) appearance to aide in defining abrand. However, there are currently no signature lighting systemsintegrated with appliances (e.g. refrigerators, washing machines,driers, ovens, ranges, dishwashers, and the like) to aid in defining thebrand.

A conventional appliance (e.g. oven, washing machine) may have an “endof cycle” indicator represented by an audible sound. However, aconventional lighting system for an appliance does not provide a dynamiclight indicator for communicating to a user an environmentalcharacteristic (e.g. time of day, ambient temperature) and/or anoperational characteristic (e.g. oven temperature, or washer/dryer cyclestatus, etc.) of an appliance.

It would be desirable to develop a signature lighting system for anappliance to provide selective lighting patterns while minimizingelectrical power consumption.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Concordant and consistent with the present invention, a signaturelighting system for an appliance to provide selective lighting patternswhile minimizing electrical power consumption, has surprisingly beendiscovered.

In one embodiment, a signature lighting system for an appliancecomprises: a carrier; a light guide disposed adjacent the carrier; alight source disposed adjacent the light guide and in electricalcommunication with a source of electrical energy to selectively energizethe light source, wherein the light source emits light into the lightguide; and a light housing received in the carrier and substantiallyenclosing the light source, wherein at least one of the light housingand the carrier militates against a relative motion between the lightguide and the carrier.

In another embodiment, a signature lighting system for an appliancecomprises: a carrier; a light guide disposed adjacent the carrier; acircuit board disposed adjacent the light guide and in electricalcommunication with a source of electrical energy; a light sourcedisposed adjacent the light guide and coupled to the circuit board toselectively energize the light source to emit light into the lightguide; a light housing disposed adjacent the carrier and substantiallyenclosing the light source and at least a portion of the circuit board,wherein at least one of the light housing and the carrier militatesagainst a relative motion between the light guide and the carrier; and acarrier housing having an aperture formed therein, wherein the carrierhousing at least partially encloses the carrier and the light housing,and wherein at least a portion of a light exiting the light guide passesthrough the aperture formed in the carrier housing.

In yet another embodiment, a signature lighting system for an appliancecomprises: a carrier; a light guide disposed adjacent the carrier; acircuit board disposed adjacent the light guide and in electricalcommunication with a source of electrical energy; a light sourcedisposed adjacent the light guide and coupled to the circuit board toselectively energize the light source to emit light into the lightguide; a light housing disposed adjacent the carrier and substantiallyenclosing the light source and at least a portion of the circuit board,wherein at least one of the light housing and the carrier militatesagainst a relative motion between the light guide and the carrier; and acontroller in electrical communication with the light source toselectively energize the light source based upon an input signal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above, as well as other advantages of the present invention, willbecome readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the followingdetailed description of the preferred embodiment when considered in thelight of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a signature lighting systemintegrated with an appliance according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the signaturelighting system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partially exploded perspective view of the portion of thesignature lighting system shown in FIG. 2, showing a light guideassembled with a carrier;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the portion of the signature lightingsystem shown in FIG. 2, showing the portion assembled;

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of the lighting system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a partially exploded perspective view of a signature lightingsystem according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a partially exploded perspective view of a signature lightingsystem according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a partially exploded perspective view of the signaturelighting system shown in FIG. 7, showing a light guide assembled with alight housing;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the signature lighting system shown inFIG. 7, showing an optical element assembled with the carrier;

FIG. 10 is a right side cross-sectional view of the signature lightingsystem shown in FIG. 7 showing the carrier spaced from a carrierhousing;

FIG. 11 is a right side cross-sectional view of the signature lightingsystem shown in FIG. 10 showing the carrier assembled with the carrierhousing; and

FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the signature lightingsystem shown in FIG. 11 taken across line 12-12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description and appended drawings describe andillustrate various embodiments of the invention. The description anddrawings serve to enable one skilled in the art to make and use theinvention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention inany manner.

FIGS. 1-5 illustrate a signature lighting system 10 integrated with anappliance 12 (e.g. a refrigerator) according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. As shown, the lighting system 10 is integrated with ahandle 14 coupled to the appliance 12. However, it is understood thatthe lighting system 10 can be integrated with any portion of theappliance 12 such as an outer housing of the appliance 12, a door, anaesthetic feature, and the like. It is further understood that thelighting system 10 can be integrated with any appliance such as awashing machine, a drier, an oven, a range, a dishwasher, and the like,for example.

The lighting system 10 includes a carrier 16, a light guide 18 disposedadjacent the carrier 16, a plurality of circuit boards 20 disposedadjacent the light guide 18, a light source 22 disposed adjacentopposite ends of the light guide 18, a plurality of light housings 24disposed adjacent the carrier 16 to substantially enclose each of thelight sources 22, and a carrier housing 26 at least partially enclosingthe carrier 16 and each of the light housings 24.

The carrier 16 is typically formed from a semi-rigid material such asplastic and can be deformed from a resting shape such as from asubstantially planar shape, for example. However, any materials havingany rigidity can be used. As a non-limiting example, the carrier 16 hasa substantially rectangular cuboid shape with a channel 28 formed in afirst surface 30 thereof and a pair of spaced apart recessed portions32. It is understood that the carrier 16 can have any size and shape.

The channel 28 is typically centrally formed along a longitudinal axisA-A of the carrier 16. The channel 28 is configured to receive at leasta portion of the light guide 18 to substantially secure the light guide18 in a pre-determined position relative to the carrier 16. In certainembodiments, the light guide 18 is disposed in the channel 28 and is atleast flush with the first surface 30 of the carrier 16. In certainembodiments, the light guide 18 is disposed in the channel 28 and isrecessed from the first surface 30 of the carrier 16. However, the lightguide 18 can have any position relative to the first surface 30 of thecarrier 16. As a non-limiting example, the channel 28 is generally “C”shaped, wherein an opening 34 into the central aperture of the “C” issmaller than a diameter of the light pipe 18. Accordingly, the opening34 of the channel 28 operates as a spring clamp to releaseably securethe light guide 18 in the channel 28.

Each of the recessed portions 32 is configured to receive one of thelight housings 24 to secure the light housing 24 (e.g. including theenclosed circuit board 20 and light source 22) in a pre-determinedposition relative to the carrier 16 and the light guide 18. In certainembodiments, the recessed portions 32 are apertures formed through thecarrier 16. However, the recessed portions 32 can have any depthrelative to the first surface 30 of the carrier 16.

The light guide 18 is typically formed from a semi-rigid material suchas plastic or glass. However, any material that allows light to beconducted therethrough by the principle of total internal reflection,can be used. As a non-limiting example, the light guide 18 is a lightpipe having a substantially cylindrical shape. It is understood that thelight guide 18 can have any size and shape. In certain embodiments, thelight guide 18 includes a plurality of light extraction features 36 todirect light through a surface of the light guide 18. It is understoodthat the light extraction features 36 can be disposed adjacent an outersurface 38 of the light guide 18. It is further understood that thelight extraction features 36 can be integrated with the light guide 18and disposed within the light guide 18. As a non-limiting example, thelight extraction features 36 can include a ridge or a tooth formed inthe light guide 18 to direct light rays through the outer surface 38 ofthe light guide 18. As a further non-limiting example, the lightextraction features 36 include a reflective paint for directing lightrays through the outer surface 38 of the light guide 18. It isunderstood that the light extraction features 36 can include any meansfor re-directing light rays to exit the light guide 18 through anysurface thereof. It is further understood that the light extractionfeatures 36 can be formed in or on any portion of the light guide 18.Any number of the light extraction features 36 (including one) can bearranged in any configuration to create a desired lighting pattern.

The circuit boards 20 each include an electrical connector 40 coupled toa means for electrical communication 42 (e.g. electrical wire orcircuitry) to provide electrical interconnection between the circuitboard 20 and a source of electrical energy 44, as shown in FIG. 5. Thecircuit boards 20 are configured to receive at least one of the lightsources 22 and selectively energize the at least one of the lightsources 22, as understood by one skilled in the art of circuit boards.It is understood that any means of electrical communication can be usedto selectively energize the light sources 22 such as electrical wireshaving a protective grommet, for example.

Each of the light sources 22 is typically a side-emitting light emittingdiode coupled to one of the circuit boards 20 to receive an electriccurrent from the source of electrical energy 44. As a non-limitingexample, each of the light sources 22 is disposed adjacent an end of thelight guide 18 to emit light into the light guide 18. It is understoodthat any light source can be used. It is further understood that anynumber of the light sources 22 can be used.

In certain embodiments, an optical device (not shown) or element isdisposed between at least one of the light sources 22 and the lightguide 18 to direct light emitted from the at least one of the lightsources 22 into the light guide 18. It is understood that the opticaldevice can be any means of directing light such as a lens, for example.It is further understood that the optical device can be securely mountedto a component of the lighting system 10 such as the light housing 24,for example.

Each of the light housings 24 is a split housing having a first portion24A and a second portion 24B, and wherein the first portion 24A isreleaseably coupled to the second portion 24B to substantially encloseat least one of the light sources 22 at the at least a portion of one ofthe circuit boards 20. As a non-limiting example, the portions 24A, 24Bof the light housing 24 cooperate to form a slot feature 46 configuredto receive a portion of the light guide 18 to secure the light guide 18in a pre-determined position relative to the at least one of the lightsources 22 disposed in the light housing 24. As a further non-limitingexample, the slot feature 46 defines a substantially cylindricalreceiver slot configured to secure an end of the light guide 18 to thelight housing 24. However, it is understood that the light housing 24and the slot feature 46 can have any size and shape.

In certain embodiments, the carrier housing 26 is a split housing havinga first portion 26A and a second portion 26B, wherein the first portion26A is releaseably coupled to the second portion 26B to substantiallyenclose the carrier 16.

In the embodiment shown, the first portion 26A of the carrier housing 26is defined by a removable cover configured to couple to the handle 14 ofthe appliance 12, wherein a portion of the handle 14 defines the secondportion 26B of the carrier housing. As a non-limiting example, the firstportion 26A (e.g. cover) includes an aperture 48 formed therethrough toallow light exiting the light guide 18 to pass through the carrierhousing 26. As a further non-limiting example, an optical element 50 isdisposed in the aperture 48 to direct the light passing through theaperture 48 in a pre-determined lighting pattern. It is understood thatany optical feature such as a lens can be used. It is further understoodthat the carrier housing 26 and the associated aperture 48 can have anysize and shape. As a further non-limiting example, the carrier housing26 includes a cavity 52 formed therein to enclose the means forelectrical communication 42 (e.g. wiring, electrical circuitry, and thelike) for providing electrical interconnection between the circuit board20 and the source of electrical energy 44 to selectively supply anelectric current to the light source 22.

In certain embodiments, the lighting system 10 further includes a sensor54 in signal communication with a controller 56, wherein the sensor 54transmits an input signal to the controller 56 to selectively energizethe light sources 22 in response to a pre-determined sensedcharacteristic.

In certain embodiments as shown in FIG. 5, the sensor 54 is a motionsensor which senses a movement of a user within a field of sensing ofthe sensor 54 and to transmit a sensor signal (e.g. input signal) to thecontroller 56. However, the sensor 54 can be configured to sense anyenvironmental characteristic on the appliance 12 such as an ambientlight and an ambient temperature, for example.

In certain embodiments, the sensor 54 senses an operationalcharacteristic of the appliance 12 such as an internal temperature oroperating status. As a non-limiting example, the appliance 12 is awashing machine and the sensor 54 is configured to sense a stage (e.g.rinse, spin, finished) in a washing cycle, wherein the light sources 22are selectively energized to emit a pre-defined lighting pattern torepresent the stage in the washing cycle. As a further non-limitingexample, the appliance 12 is an oven and the sensor 54 is configured tosense an internal temperature of the oven, wherein the light sources 22are selectively energized to emit a dynamic intensity (e.g. higherintensity for higher temperature) to represent the internal temperaturesensed.

The controller 56 may be any device or system adapted to receive aninput signal (e.g. the sensor signal), analyze the input signal, andconfigure the light sources 22 (e.g. via the circuit board 20) inresponse to the analysis of the input signal. In certain embodiments,the controller 56 is a micro-computer. In the embodiment shown, thecontroller 56 receives the input signal from at least one of the sensors54 and a user-provided input via a user interface (not shown).

As shown, the controller 56 analyzes the input signal based upon aninstruction set 58. The instruction set 58, which may be embodied withinany computer readable medium, includes processor executable instructionsfor configuring the controller 56 to perform a variety of tasks. Thecontroller 56 may execute a variety of functions such as controlling theoperation of the sensor 54 and the light sources 22, for example. It isunderstood that various algorithms and software can be used to analyzethe input signal received from the sensor 54.

In certain embodiments, the controller 56 includes a storage device 60.The storage device 60 may be a single storage device or may be multiplestorage devices. Furthermore, the storage device 60 may be a solid statestorage system, a magnetic storage system, an optical storage system, orany other suitable storage system or device. It is understood that thestorage device 60 may be adapted to store the instruction set 58. Otherdata and information may be stored and cataloged in the storage device60 such as the data collected by the sensor 54, for example.

The controller 56 may further include a programmable component 62. It isunderstood that the programmable component 62 may be in communicationwith any other component of the lighting system 10 such as the sensor 54and the light sources 22, for example. In certain embodiments, theprogrammable component 62 is adapted to manage and control processingfunctions of the controller 56. Specifically, the programmable component62 is adapted to modify the instruction set 58 and control the analysisof the signals and information received by the controller 56. It isunderstood that the programmable component 62 may be adapted to manageand control the sensor 54. It is further understood that theprogrammable component 62 may be adapted to store data and informationon the storage device 60, and retrieve data and information from thestorage device 60.

In use, each of the circuit boards 20 (including at least one of thelight sources 22) is disposed in one of the light housings 24. One ofthe light housings 24 is disposed at each end of the light guide 18. Incertain embodiments, a portion of the light guide 18 is enclosed by eachof the light housings 24 (e.g. using slot feature 46). The light guide18 and the light housings 24 are disposed adjacent the carrier 16. Incertain embodiments, the channel 28 formed in the carrier 16 receivesthe light guide 18 and the recessed portions 32 formed in the carrier 16each receive one of the light housings 24. The carrier 16 is thencoupled to the second portion 26B of the carrier housing 26 and thefirst portion 26A of the carrier housing 26 is coupled to the secondportion 26B of the carrier housing 26 to substantially enclose thecarrier 16. Once the carrier 16 is in position, a selective energizingof the light sources 22 illuminates the light guide 18, wherein thelight extraction features 36 direct light from the light guide 18 andthrough the aperture 48 formed in the first portion 26A of the carrierhousing 26. It is understood that the light sources 22 can beselectively energized by the controller 56 or another control device(not shown). As a non-limiting example, the controller 56 selectivelyenergizes the light sources 22 in response to the input signal receivedfrom the sensor 54. As a further non-limiting example, the light emittedfrom the light sources 22 can represent an environmental or operationalcharacteristic of the appliance 12.

FIG. 6 illustrates a signature lighting system 10′ according to anotherembodiment of the present invention similar to the signature lightingsystem 10, except as described herein below. As shown, the lightingsystem 10′ is integrated with the handle 14 coupled to the appliance 12.However, it is understood that the lighting system 10′ can be integratedwith any portion of the appliance 12 such as an outer housing of theappliance, a door, an aesthetic feature, and the like. It is furtherunderstood that the lighting system 10′ can be integrated with anyappliance such as a washing machine, a drier, an oven, a range, adishwasher, and the like, for example.

The lighting system 10′ includes a carrier 16′ coupled to the secondportion 26B (e.g. handle 14) of the carrier housing 26. The carrier 16′includes a plurality of spaced apart clips 64 or snap featuresconfigured to receive the light guide 18. As a non-limiting example,each the clips 64 is generally “C” shaped, wherein an opening 66 into acentral aperture of the “C” is smaller than a diameter of the light pipe18. Accordingly, the opening 66 of each of the clips 64 operates as aspring clamp to releaseably secure the light guide 18 in the secondportion 26 b of the carrier housing 26.

In use, each of the circuit boards 20 (including at least one of thelight sources 22) is disposed in one of the light housings 24. Each ofthe light housings 24 is disposed adjacent (e.g. coupled to) the secondportion 26B of the carrier housing 26. A portion of the light guide 18is inserted into the slot feature 46 of each of the light housings 24. Aportion of the light guide 18 not enclosed by the light housings 24 isthen coupled to each of the clips 64 of the carrier 16′. In certainembodiments, the light guide 18 is coupled to the clips 64 of thecarrier 16′ and then the light housings 24 are disposed on opposite endsof the light guide 18. It is understood that other assembly procedurescan be used. The first portion 26A of the carrier housing 26 is thencoupled to the second portion 26B of the carrier housing 26 tosubstantially enclose the light guide 18 and the carrier 16′. Once thecarrier 16′ and the light guide 18 are in position, a selectiveenergizing of the light sources 22 illuminates the light guide 18,wherein the light extraction features 36 direct light from the lightguide 18 and through the aperture 48 formed in the first portion 26A ofthe carrier housing 26. It is understood that the light sources 22 canbe selectively energized by the controller 56 or any control device (notshown).

FIGS. 7-12 illustrate a signature lighting system 110 according toanother embodiment of the present invention similar to the signaturelighting system 10, except as described herein below.

As shown, the lighting system 110 includes a carrier 116, a light guide118 disposed adjacent the carrier 116, a plurality of circuit board 120disposed adjacent the light guide 118, a light source 122 disposedadjacent opposite ends of the light guide 118, a plurality of lighthousings 124 disposed adjacent the carrier 116, and a carrier housing126 at least partially enclosing the carrier 116 and each of the lighthousings 124.

The carrier 116 is typically formed from a semi-rigid material such asplastic and can be deformed from a resting shape. However, any materialshaving any rigidity can be used. As a non-limiting the carrier 116 has asubstantially rectangular cuboid shape with a channel 128 formed in afirst surface 130 thereof and a pair of spaced apart recessed portions132. It is understood that the carrier 116 can have any size and shape.

The channel 128 is typically centrally formed along a longitudinal axisB-B of the carrier 116. The channel 128 is configured to receive atleast a portion of the light guide 118 to substantially secure the lightguide 118 in a pre-determined position relative to the carrier 116. Incertain embodiments, the light guide 118 is disposed in the channel 128and is at least flush with the first surface 130 of the carrier 116. Incertain embodiments, the light guide 118 is disposed in the channel 128and is recessed from the first surface 130 of the carrier 116. As anon-limiting example, the channel 128 is generally “C” shaped, whereinan opening 134 of a central aperture of the “C” is smaller than adiameter of the light pipe 118. Accordingly, the opening 134 of thechannel 128 operates as a spring clamp to releaseably secure the lightguide 118 in the channel 128.

Each of the recessed portions 132 is configured to receive one of thelight housings 124 to secure the light housing 124 (e.g. including theenclosed circuit board 120 and light source 122) in a pre-determinedposition relative to the carrier 116 and the light guide 118. In certainembodiments, the recessed portions 132 are apertures formed through thecarrier 116. However, the recessed portions 132 can have any depthrelative to the first surface 130 of the carrier 116.

The light guide 118 is typically formed from a semi-rigid material suchas plastic or glass. However, any material that allows light to beconducted therethrough by the principle of total internal reflection,can be used. As a non-limiting example, the light guide 118 is a lightpipe having a substantially cylindrical shape. It is understood that thelight guide 118 can have any size and shape. In certain embodiments, thelight guide 118 includes a plurality of light extraction features 136 todirect light through a surface of the light guide 118. It is understoodthat the light extraction features 136 can be disposed adjacent an outersurface 138 of the light guide 118. It is further understood that thelight extraction features 136 can be integrated with the light guide 118and disposed within the light guide 118. As a non-limiting example, thelight extraction features 136 can include a ridge or a tooth formed inthe light guide 118 to direct light rays through the outer surface 138of the light guide 118. As a further non-limiting example, the lightextraction features 136 include a reflective paint for directing lightrays through the outer surface 138 of the light guide 118. It isunderstood that the light extraction features 136 can include any meansfor re-directing light rays to exit the light guide 118 through anysurface thereof. It is further understood that the light extractionfeatures 136 can be formed in or on any portion of the light guide 118.Any number of the light extraction features 138 can be arranged in anyconfiguration to create a desired lighting pattern.

The circuit boards 120 each include an electrical connector 140 coupledto a means for electrical communication 142 (e.g. electrical wire orcircuitry) to provide electrical interconnection between the circuitboard 120 and a source of electrical energy 144. The circuit boards 120are configured to receive at least one of the light sources 122 andselectively energize the at least one of the light sources 122, asunderstood by one skilled in the art of circuit boards. It is understoodthat any means of electrical communication can be used to selectivelyenergize the light sources 122 such as electrical wires having aprotective grommet, for example.

Each of the light sources 122 is typically a side-emitting lightemitting diode coupled to one of the circuit boards 120 to receive anelectric current from the source of electrical energy 144. As anon-limiting example, each of the light sources 122 is disposed adjacentan end of the light guide 118 to emit light into the light guide 118. Itis understood that any light source can be used. It is furtherunderstood that any number of the light sources 122 can be used.

In certain embodiments, an optical element 146 or device is disposedadjacent at least a portion of the outer surface 138 of the light guide118 to direct light exiting the light guide 118 in a pre-determinedlighting pattern. It is understood that the optical element 146 can beany means of directing light such as a lens, for example. It is furtherunderstood that the optical element 146 can be securely mounted to acomponent of the lighting system 110 such as the carrier housing 126,for example. The optical element 146 can have any shape and size todirect light in any pattern.

Each of the light housings 124 is a split housing having a first portion124A and a second portion 124B, and wherein the first portion 124A isreleaseably coupled to the second portion 124B to substantially encloseat least one of the light sources 122 at the at least a portion of oneof the circuit boards 120. As a non-limiting example, the portions 124A,124B of the light housing 124 cooperate to form a slot feature 148configured to receive a portion of the light guide 118 to secure thelight guide 118 in a pre-determined position relative to the at leastone of the light sources 122 disposed in the light housing 124. As afurther non-limiting example, the slot feature 148 defines asubstantially cylindrical receiver slot configured to secure an end ofthe light guide 118 to the light housing 124. However, it is understoodthat the light housing 124 and the slot feature 148 can have any sizeand shape.

As more clearly shown in FIGS. 10-12, the carrier housing 126 can have acurved shape or other non-planar or irregular shape. As a non-limitingexample, the carrier housing 126 is defined by a curved handle coupledto an appliance (not shown). However, it is understood that the lightingsystem 110 can be integrated with any portion of the appliance such asan outer housing of the appliance, a door, an aesthetic feature, and thelike. It is further understood that the lighting system 110 can beintegrated with any appliance such as a washing machine, a drier, anoven, a range, a dishwasher, and the like, for example.

As a further non-limiting example, carrier housing 126 (e.g. handle 14)includes an aperture 150 formed therethrough to allow light exiting thelight guide 118 to pass through the carrier housing 126. As a furthernon-limiting example, the optical element 146 is disposed in theaperture 150 to direct the light passing through the aperture 150 in apre-determined lighting pattern. It is understood that any opticalelement such as a lens can be used, for example. It is furtherunderstood that the carrier housing 126 and the associated aperture 150can have any size and shape. Additionally, any number of the apertures150 can be sued to receive any number of the optical elements 146 of anysize and shape.

In certain embodiments, a retention device 152 cooperates with thecarrier housing 126 to militate against any relative movement betweenthe carrier and the carrier housing 126. The retention device 152protrudes radially inwardly from an inner surface of the carrier housing126. Accordingly, when the carrier 116 is disposed in the carrierhousing 126, the retention device 152 engages a portion of the carrier116 to limit a motion of the carrier 116 relative to the carrier housing126.

In certain embodiments, a protuberance 154 is formed on an inner surfaceof the carrier housing 126 to engage the carrier 116 and urge theoptical element 146 into the aperture 150 formed in the carrier housing126. It is understood that the protuberance 154 can be formed as anintegral portion of the carrier housing 126 and aligned with at least aportion of the aperture 150. It is further understood that theprotuberance 154 can be formed as an adjustable element such as athreaded member (not shown), wherein the threaded member is adjusted toexert a force on the carrier 116, and thereby urge the optical element146 into the aperture 150. Other devices and structures can be used toadjust a position of the carrier 116 relative to the carrier housing126.

In use, each of the circuit boards 120 (including at least one of thelight sources 122) is disposed in one of the light housings 124. One ofthe light housings 124 is disposed at each end of the light guide 118.In certain embodiments, a portion of the light guide 118 is enclosed byeach of the light housings 124 (e.g. using slot feature 148). The lightguide 118 and the light housings 124 are disposed adjacent the carrier116. In certain embodiments, the channel 128 formed in the carrier 116receives the light guide 118 and the recessed portions 132 formed in thecarrier 116 each receive one of the light housings 124. The carrier 116is then guided into the carrier housing 126 to substantially enclose thecarrier 116. In certain embodiments, the protuberance 154 guides theoptical element 146 into the aperture 150 formed in the carrier housing126 as the carrier 116 is guided through the carrier housing 126.

Once the carrier 116 is in position, a selective energizing of the lightsources 122 illuminates the light guide 118, wherein the lightextraction features 136 direct light from the light guide 118 andthrough the aperture 150 formed in the carrier housing 126.

The signature lighting system 10, 10′, 110 of the present inventionprovides selective lighting patterns throughout the appliance 12 whileminimizing electrical power consumption. The signature lighting system10, 10′, 110 also provides a dynamic light indicator for communicatingto a user an environmental characteristic (e.g. time of day, ambienttemperature) and/or an operational characteristic (e.g. oventemperature, or washer/dryer cycle status, etc.) of the appliance 12.

From the foregoing description, one ordinarily skilled in the art caneasily ascertain the essential characteristics of this invention and,without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, make variouschanges and modifications to the invention to adapt it to various usagesand conditions.

1. A signature lighting system for an appliance comprising: a carrier; alight guide disposed adjacent the carrier; a light source disposedadjacent the light guide and in electrical communication with a sourceof electrical energy to selectively energize the light source, whereinthe light source emits light into the light guide; and a light housingreceived in the carrier and substantially enclosing the light source,wherein at least one of the light housing and the carrier militatesagainst a relative motion between the light guide and the carrier. 2.The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein the carrier includes achannel formed therein to receive at least a portion of the light guide.3. The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein the carrierincludes a recessed portion to receive the light housing therein.
 4. Thelighting system according to claim 1, wherein the carrier includes atleast one clip for securing the light guide to the carrier.
 5. Thelighting system according to claim 1, wherein the light guide is a lightpipe having a substantially cylindrical shape.
 6. The lighting systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the light guide includes a lightextraction feature to direct light through a surface of the light guide.7. The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein the light source isdisposed adjacent an end of the light guide and configured to emit lightinto the end of the light guide.
 8. The lighting system according toclaim 1, further comprising an optical element disposed adjacent atleast a portion of the light guide to direct a light exiting the lightguide in a pre-determined lighting pattern.
 9. The lighting systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the light housing is a split housinghaving a first portion and a second portion, and wherein the firstportion is releaseably coupled to the second portion to substantiallyenclose the light source.
 10. The lighting system according to claim 1,wherein the light housing includes a slot feature configured to receivea portion of the light guide therein to secure the light guide in apre-determined position relative to the light source disposed in thelight housing.
 11. A signature lighting system for an appliancecomprising: a carrier; a light guide disposed adjacent the carrier; acircuit board disposed adjacent the light guide and in electricalcommunication with a source of electrical energy; a light sourcedisposed adjacent the light guide and coupled to the circuit board toselectively energize the light source to emit light into the lightguide; a light housing disposed adjacent the carrier and substantiallyenclosing the light source and at least a portion of the circuit board,wherein at least one of the light housing and the carrier militatesagainst a relative motion between the light guide and the carrier; and acarrier housing having an aperture formed therein, wherein the carrierhousing at least partially encloses the carrier and the light housing,and wherein at least a portion of a light exiting the light guide passesthrough the aperture formed in the carrier housing.
 12. The lightingsystem according to claim 11, wherein the carrier housing is a splithousing having a first portion and a second portion, and wherein thefirst portion is releaseably coupled to the second portion tosubstantially enclose the light source at the at least a portion of thecircuit board.
 13. The lighting system according to claim 11, wherein atleast a portion of the light guide is disposed adjacent the apertureformed in the carrier housing.
 14. The lighting system according toclaim 11, wherein the carrier housing is formed from at least a portionof appliance.
 15. The lighting system according to claim 11, wherein thecarrier housing is formed from a handle coupled to the appliance. 16.The lighting system according to claim 11, wherein the carrier housingfurther comprising a cavity formed therein to enclose an electricalcircuitry for providing an electric current to the light source.
 17. Thelighting system according to claim 11, further comprising an opticalelement disposed adjacent the light guide to direct the light exitingthe light guide and passing through the aperture formed in the carrierhousing.
 18. A signature lighting system for an appliance comprising: acarrier; a light guide disposed adjacent the carrier; a circuit boarddisposed adjacent the light guide and in electrical communication with asource of electrical energy; a light source disposed adjacent the lightguide and coupled to the circuit board to selectively energize the lightsource to emit light into the light guide; a light housing disposedadjacent the carrier and substantially enclosing the light source and atleast a portion of the circuit board, wherein at least one of the lighthousing and the carrier militates against a relative motion between thelight guide and the carrier; and a controller in electricalcommunication with the light source to selectively energize the lightsource based upon an input signal.
 19. The lighting system according toclaim 18, further comprising a sensor in electrical communication withthe controller to generate and transmit the input signal to thecontroller based upon an environmental characteristic of the appliance.20. The lighting system according to claim 18, further comprising asensor in electrical communication with the controller to generate andtransmit the input signal to the controller based upon an operationalcharacteristic of the appliance.